Castle View’s lounge was decked out in bunting for the party with recorded background music adding to the party atmosphere.

GO Girls Support Group, which has television producer Philippa Clunes, wife of actor Martin Clunes, as its patron, was launched in March 2015.

It was set up by Dorset County Hospital’s gynaecology nurse specialist Hilary Maxwell and patient Gill Harler to help women affected by gynaecological cancers.

A £165 cheque was presented to Hilary by Castle View’s Clinical Lead Ashika Reddy and Sue Goodwin, Activity Organiser.

Hilary said: “Gynaecological cancers have so far not received the same recognition as other cancers such as breast, bowel and prostate, yet there are, in some cases, shared genetic links.

“The GO Girls are determined to raise the profile of these diseases, to ensure monies are directed to finding treatments that improve survival rates and raise awareness for earlier diagnosis.”

The charity is hoping to raise £2 million by encouraging 200,000 people to donate £10. “That’s the equivalent of three cups of coffee so we very much hope people will feel able to support the appeal,” added Hilary.

Castle View’s Sue Goodwin said the tea party and cake sale had been a big success.

She added: “Everyone has been touched to a greater or lesser extent, by cancer and the GO Girls Support Group is a fantastic charity. We were pleased to do our bit in raising money for such a worthy cause.”

To find out more information about GO Girls Support Group, please visit the charity’s website at www.gogirlssupport.org